Remembering The Tiananmen Square Massacre

Welcome to my blog which is really the ramblings of thoughts that go through my mind.

As this is my first blog, I was wondering what poignant memories I wanted to unlock from the vault that is my mind… what memories I have, that I wanted to share with you.

As today is the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, I have felt to share with you my memories, and what those days have taught me, and how I honor all of those who lost their lives, on a daily basis.

It’s hard to believe that already 20 years have passed by. The year prior to the events, my family and I had taken a trip to Beijing and had walked across Tiananmen Square.

I remember the news reports in the lead-up to June 4th. At first, my whole family and I did not understand why these kids were protesting, surely there was a better way. But as more and more news reports came out, and the government allowed them to remain in the square, we really began to pay attention. Before this time, it was just a “blip” on the news radar for us.

As the numbers of protesters increased, and as we saw police officers joining in with them, we saw the “organization” in which they were operating; we began to grow a respect for them. Here were a group of university students who were trying to make a difference, not only for themselves, but for their country.

Respect and admiration for their calls for democracy, and better living standards rang out in scenes that began to remind many of the original rise of Communism, the Long March, and the Red Guard. The difference was that these protesters were attempting to create change in a peaceful manner.

Soon, Hong Kong started to get involved and joined in the solidarity protests of our brothers and sisters to the North. Each weekend, tens of thousands of Hong Kong people took to the streets on Hong Kong Island and marched in solidarity, calling for democracy. Of course for us, these protests were of utmost importance because we were being handed back to China in a very short 8 years.

Taxi’s jumped on the bandwagon of protest, and on several evenings, every taxi in Hong Kong lined up along our longest road, Nathan Road which wound through the mainland of Kowloon, from near the New Territories right through to the ocean front of Tsim Sha Tsui; and at 8PM every taxi driver hit their horns. The result was an intense energy that brought everyone to a stop.

For the first time, that I experienced, Hong Kong became one in unity. The atmosphere was one of solidarity, and we each could feel the connection of “brother” and “sister” amongst us.

I was in Form 5 (Yr 11) in 1989. For the larger part of the second to last term, the news of the students protesting flooded our discussions in our various classes. We were experiencing history in the making.

Across the world, the Polish Solidarity movement was also creating a stir, which eventually lead to the fall of communism in the Eastern Block.

The days leading up to June 3rd, we saw General Secretary Zhao Ziyang enter the bus in which some of the leaders were staying, and they went into discussions. When Zhao emerged, we thought that the conditions were met and that it would soon be over. It felt good. It felt like victory.

Then, I remember waking up early on June 4th to the news on RTHK radio telling how the troops and tanks had moved in to the square overnight. That day, was focused on the news, and the tears flowing openly.

There was a suggestion that everyone in HK wear black in memory of those lives lost. I was in the middle of my GCSE exams on that day, and wore a black skirt and black shirt to school.

Anyone who had still been against the student’s sit-in had now done a 180* turn and now turned to support our brothers and sisters to the North.

For many years I would remember and wonder “How” this could happen. But I no longer ask that question. It happened. That’s the fact.

I pondered for a long time what impact I could make to honour the memories of those who lost their lives, those who were arrested, executed, and those who went into exile.  How could I honour the cause which they fought so strongly for?

I came to the understanding and belief that I did not have to fight… in fact, fighting only leads to more of the same. So instead, I took it upon myself to stand up for the things I believe in. I became courageous and embraced, and even sought out positive change in my own life and in my environment.  In walking in strength and determination to achieve and succeed in my own life, I am honouring the memories of those who stood strong and tall each and every day.

And while my candle is lit for a 24-hour period every June 3rd-4th, I honor the lessons they taught us all, each and every day of my life.

So I encourage you to stand tall for your convictions, persevere, and don’t ever give up. When you continue to do this, continue to walk the path that you have laid out for yourself, you not only honor the lives lost and lessons taught; you honour YOU as well.

Until my next inspired thought or memory… continue to magnify your excellence.

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